Régis Le Bris names Sunderland XI for Newcastle United derby with key quintet absent from start | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris has named his Sunderland XI for this afternoon’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, making one change. Luke O’Nien starts for the injured Dan Ballard, who has a hamstring issue.

According to Sunderland Echo, hopes that Dan Ballard, Enzo Le Fée, Reinildo Mandava, Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele would be fit to start have not materialised. Mandava, Le Fée and Mukiele are on the bench, Ballard and Roefs are not in the squad.

O’Nien is set to partner Omar Alderete in central defence, with Lutsharel Geertruida at right-back and Trai Hume on the left. Granit Xhaka is expected to sit deepest in midfield, with Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra alongside. Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi flank Brian Brobbey.

Sunderland remain without long-term absentees Jocelin Ta Bi, Bertrand Traoré and Nilson Angulo. Le Bris’ selection follows last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the Stadium of Light.

Starting XI: Ellborg, Geertruida, Hume, O’Nien, Alderete, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Rigg, Talbi, Brobbey. Subs: Moore, Reinildo, Cirkin, Mukiele, Le Fee, H. Jones, Jen Jones, Mayenda, Isidor.

Source: Sunderland Echo